COLD LAKE – A fire that spread to three residential properties on Sept. 2, is just one in a string of suspicious fires that have occurred in the City of Cold Lake and parts of the MD of Bonnyville.
On Friday, Cold Lake Fire-Rescue and RCMP received a report of structure fire at 3 p.m., in the residential area of 45 St. and 65 Ave. in Cold Lake.
When crews arrived, three houses were ignited on fire, confirmed an RCMP media release.
The Cold Lake fire department, with the assistance of 4 Wing fire department, were able to extinguish the extensive fire. However, several surrounding residences were damaged by heat, smoke and water.
No residents sustained physical injuries as a result of the fire, but a household pet was reported to have died in the incident, according to police.
A fire investigator, who attended the scene, has indicated that the fire is currently considered “suspicious” following an initial investigation.
Police are asking that anyone with dash cam footage or doorbell camera footage in the area of 45 St. and 65 Ave. between 2:30 p.m., and 3:15 p.m., who has not already provided footage to Cold Lake RCMP, to contact the local detachment.
String of fire incidents
Cold Lake Fire Rescue responded to several suspicious fires that occurred at the end of August and first week of September and they appear related, confirmed Dan Heney, the regional fire chief for the Bonnyville Regional Fire Authority.
Some of these fires occurred in the City of Cold Lake, while some were in the MD of Bonnyville in Ardmore and the Hilda Lake area.
“As there are investigations pending, I cannot comment on the details of the fires other than they are suspicious and that the BRFA and Cold Lake Fire Rescue are working with both the RCMP and Alberta Forestry,” stated Heney.
In response to the suspicious fires, K Division Serious Crimes Branch has sent a RCMP member with the Forestry Crimes Unit to investigate.
LakelandTODAY was unable to reach a Cold Lake Fire Rescue spokesperson for comment.
Anyone with information on this incident is asked to contact the Cold Lake RCMP at 780-594-3301.
If you want to remain anonymous, you can contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), online at www.P3Tips.com or by using the "P3 Tips" app available through the Apple App or Google Play Store.
